The doors slide open and I step out into the cool night air, taking a deep breath and enjoying how fresh it is.

The building rises high behind me, lights on in every window, the Seraphim Automata logo prominent near the top. I adjust the duffel bag on my shoulder containing my corporate uniform and head to the parking lot, my oxfords clicking on the pavement. I can't wait to get home and change out of these stiff shoes and slacks.

"Hey Alex, I'll have that report on your desk first thing tomorrow," calls out a familiar voice behind me.

I turn to see one of the new hires, still in his suit and tie, briefcase in hand. He'd just started this week. I give him a relaxed smile.

"No rush Bert, it's your second day. Go home and get some rest."

The kid nods and leaves, and I walk on, the parking lot coming into view. My motorcycle is still there, the moonlight reflecting off its black frame. I fasten the duffel bag to the back and pull out a pack of cigarettes, lighting one and taking a deep breath. I blow out the smoke and look up at the moon.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out to see Summer's face looking back at me. I swipe to answer and raise the phone to my ear.

"Working late, again?" she asks. "One of these days I'm going to show up at your office with takeout so you actually eat dinner."

I chuckle, leaning back against the bike. "I had a protein bar, does that count?"

"Absolutely not. I'll be sure to bring extra dumplings tomorrow to make up for your deprivation."

"Can't wait," I say. "How was your day?"

"Oh, the usual. Taught preschoolers how to finger paint and convinced them not to eat the paint. You know, hero stuff."

I chuckle. It's always good to talk to Summer. Her optimism is infectious, and I need that after a long day, just to counter my brooding.

"So how's life at the mysterious Seraphim? Build any cool robots today?"

"You know I can't talk about work," I mumble while taking another drag.

"I knooow, I'm just teasing. Wouldn't want you to have to kill me for learning all the corporate secrets."

I flick ash off the end of the cigarette, watching it drift down.

"Enough about me. I want to hear about your day."

"Well let's see… after getting Jackson to stop eating glue, we finger painted, had story time…"

She goes on to tell me about her day teaching preschool. She loves that job. I close my eyes and picture her bright, expressive face. It's probably just as well that I'll be seeing her soon. It's good to disconnect from the corporate environment.

By the time she's done, I feel lighter.

"Oh, have you called your parents today?" she suddenly asks. "Your mom texted me yesterday asking if you're eating enough."

I pause, caught off guard. "Uh, yeah, just spoke to them just before you called."

Summer doesn't respond, and I can imagine her disapproving look. I sigh, flicking the spent cigarette away.

"Alright, you got me. I haven't called in over a month."

"Alex!" Her voice is gently scolding. "You know how your mom worries."

I run a hand through my hair. "I know, I'm sorry. I just get busy with work and it slips my mind."

"I'll let it slide this time, but you have to call her tonight when you're home," Summer says.

"Yes ma'am," I say. "Wouldn't want you getting an earful from my mother, or you."

Summer laughs. "Exactly. Now get home safe. I'm cooking something special for you tonight."

"Will do. Talk soon." I end the call and tuck the phone away, feeling a pang of guilt.

I release the helmet from the bike and put it on, lowering the visor. The engine roars to life beneath me, the headlight cutting through the night. I give it a twist, enjoying the growl. Then I roll the bike forward, gaining speed as I merge onto the main road, the city lights blurring past. I lean into the turn, and the bike responds perfectly. The road stretches out before me as I pass through light traffic, the city lights a blur. After being cooped up in the office, it's refreshing.

I'm still getting used to this bike. Since moving to Dallas, I've had to adjust to the sprawl, the distances between everything. It's not like the condensed cities I was used to in Latin America, where everything I needed was a few blocks away. Here, you had to drive everywhere. It was a pain. But now, on this bike, riding through the night – I'm starting to appreciate the long open roads. The feeling of speed as I change gears, the wind in my face – it makes the distance seem like nothing.

I brake at a light, waiting for my turn. On the other side of the intersection, a car runs the red light, screeching as it turns onto the cross street. I shake my head with a smile.

Drunk drivers are the same everywhere.

I rev the engine as the light turns green, and I head for home. The houses here are nice, typical suburban luxury. A far cry from the barrios and favelas of my childhood. I pull into my driveway, kick the stand out and dismount, making sure the bike is secure. Can't be too careful, even in a neighborhood like this. Old habits die hard.

I grab my duffel and stop by the front door to make the promised call, pulling out my phone and dialing my mother's number, taking a deep breath to prepare for the inevitable barrage of questions. The line only rings twice before I hear her voice.

"Alexander! It's about time you called," she says.

I roll my eyes but can't help smiling, automatically answering in Spanish. "Hey, ma. You know it's not been that long."

The front door swings open and Summer is there, grinning and waving her fingers in a little wave. She takes the duffel bag from my shoulder and leans in to plant a quick kiss on my lips before heading inside.

"Who's that? Is that Summer?" my mother asks excitedly. "Let me say hi!"

"Calm down, ma," I say with a chuckle, following Summer inside. "Yes, that's Summer. I'll put you on speaker so you can both talk."

I put her on speakerphone as I kick off my shoes by the door. Summer is already in the kitchen, stirring a pot of something that smells incredible.

"Hey, ma'am! It's so nice to talk to you again," Summer says brightly. "I got your pasta sauce recipe from Alex's cousin, I hope it turned out alright."

"Oh that one's perfect!" my mother gushes, switching to English. "You'll have to come visit us in Miami soon. I'll teach you some other recipes if you're up for it."

I shake my head in amusement as I grab a soda from the fridge. Those two immediately launched into lively conversation, bonding way too quickly for my comfort. Summer dishes up two heaping plates of pasta and brings them to the table. She even added a little grated parmesan on top.

I take a bite and groan in satisfaction. "Jesus Christ, Summer," I say after swallowing. "Best pasta I've had in a while."

She smiles, clearly pleased. "Only because of your mom's recipe. I knew it would impress you."

My mother laughs. "Xander, she's great. Please don't mess this one up."

Ouch. Way to throw me under the bus there. I raise my hands in mock surrender. "Yes ma'am, I know better than to argue that."

The conversation flows easily as we eat. Summer and my mom trade stories and chat about recipes. It's comfortable, nostalgic. For a moment I can almost imagine we're all together at my parents' house, not separated by hundreds of miles.

"How's dad doing?" I ask after a lull in the conversation. "His health any better?"

My mother sighs. "Xander... he has his good days and bad. But don't you worry, we are managing fine."

I stare down at my plate, appetite suddenly gone. I should have called more, should have visited. But work kept me busy, and then I met Summer, and... no excuses.

"Put him on the phone, I'll talk to him," I say gruffly.

"Oh, he's already asleep," my mother says gently. "But I'll tell him to expect your call tomorrow, yes?"

I swallow hard. "Yeah. Yeah, I'll call him first thing."

We say our goodbyes, my mother making me promise to visit soon. After she hangs up I grab the bridge of my nose, swearing under my breath.

"I'm an idiot. I should have kept in better touch."

Summer reaches over and squeezes my hand. "It's okay, Alex. You got busy with the new job. But you can call him tomorrow."

I nod, still frustrated with myself. "It's just...his health, it comes and goes. Some days he's totally normal, but others..." I trail off, throat tightening.

Summer moves her chair closer and wraps an arm around me. "Hey, it'll be alright. Would it be possible for you to take a long weekend and go visit? It would make them so happy. It'd make him happy."

I lean into her, grateful she's here. "Yeah… yeah, you're right. I'll book a flight down this weekend. I know the team will understand."

She hugs me tighter. "There you go. Now finish eating, you need your strength."

I finish the last few bites of pasta and bring my plate to the sink. Summer joins me, rinsing off her own dish before placing it in the soapy water.

"So, what about today? Any juicy details on your top-secret work?" she asks, nudging me with her elbow. "Come on, just a little something."

I chuckle as I start on the dishes. "I wish I could, but I'm not allowed to say. All I can tell you is that we're working on some exciting robotics projects involving advanced AI."

"Ooh, sounds fancy," Summer says, passing me a glass to dry. "So what, like building robot butlers and such?"

"More industrial than that. The idea is to integrate the AI into manufacturing processes, make production faster and more efficient across industries."

"Ah, so using robot minions to do all the hard work."

"Essentially," I laugh. "The tech could revolutionize supply chains, reduce costs. But it's all still in the early stages."

"Your own army of robot workers, I love it," Summer grins. "So how's it going? Have you reached the 'robots taking over the world' phase yet?"

"Not yet, but some of the senior engineers have taken to calling one of the prototypes 'Hal'," I say ominously.

Summer gasps in mock horror. "You telling me you've built Skynet?"

I flick some soap bubbles at her. "Please, I'd never design an AI that lame. My bots will take one look at humans and realize we're not worth the effort."

We carry on talking as we clean, the conversation coming easily. It feels nice to be able to talk about work, even with the NDA.

Summer finishes drying the last plate and puts it away. "So, any plans for this weekend before you head down to Miami?"

I nod, leaning back against the counter. "Yeah, actually. Sebastian called me earlier. He wants to hit up the tennis courts by his dad's place on Friday. I might take him up on it before my flight out that evening. Speaking of which, I should probably buy that ticket early tomorrow."

Summer looks at me in surprise. "Tennis? I can't see you playing tennis."

I chuckle. "Yeah, it's been a while. But Sebastian and I used to play all the time years ago. Whenever I came to visit him here, we'd head to some courts near his dad's house. We were both crap at first, but got decent with practice."

"Huh. I've only ever seen you guys at the climbing gym or playing video games," She says, raising an eyebrow. "Either that or ripping up deadlift sets like maniacs."

"It's been a while since we picked up racquets, but could be fun to revive the tradition before I head out to see my parents."

Summer smiles, leaning against me. "Well, now I'm trying to picture you in tennis whites. I bet you were cute."

I laugh, kissing the top of her head. "Debatable. But either way, I'm happy to brush up my backhand with Sebastian before the trip."

She nods, stifling a yawn. "Good idea. You two should enjoy the time together."

I glance at my watch, surprised to see it's nearly midnight already. "We should get some sleep," I say, taking Summer's hand.

She nods, following me towards the bedroom, the prospect of seeing old friends and family fills me with mixed feelings of warmth and regret.

I flop back onto the soft mattress of the bed, letting out a long sigh, eyes closed. A moment later, the bed dips as Summer lies down next to me. I feel her lips press gently against my cheek.

"You okay?" she asks softly.

I open my eyes, looking up at the ceiling. I fish my phone out of my pocket and wake up the screen, my parents' smiling faces looking back at me from the wallpaper. After the call earlier, seeing the photo makes my heart ache even more.

"I'll be alright," I say quietly. I roll over to face Summer, taking her hand. "Especially with you here." She gives my hand a comforting squeeze in response.

"Thanks," I say, trying to get the words out. "For everything. The food, listening... you're the best."

Summer smiles gently at me, her eyes warm. "It's nothing," she says. "I'm happy to do it."

Overcome with emotion, I lean in and kiss her deeply. We've only been dating for a couple of months, but, at this moment, I feel like what I have with her can persevere despite my failings.

She returns the kiss with equal fervor, her body pressing against mine. Suddenly, I'm not tired anymore. If she's been this good to me today, I'm going to make sure I'm just as good to her.

I trail kisses down her neck until I find that sensitive spot below her ear that makes her gasp. As I focus my attention there, she moans my name, her fingers tangling in my hair.

Hearing her say it like that... I know I won't let myself drift off until I've heard it a dozen more times. I kiss lower, my hands roaming her body, determined to show her just how much I appreciate her.

She arches into my touch, whispering my name again. Her reactions spur me on, filling me with desire and tenderness in equal measure.

My hands slip under her shirt, caressing the smooth skin of her back. I lift the fabric up and off in one smooth motion. She's stunning, lying there in just her bra and leggings. I tell her as much and she flushes, eyes shining.

I trail kisses down her neck to her collarbone, eliciting more of those delightful moans. Her hands grip my shoulders, nails digging in slightly. I take my time, building the anticipation, lips and fingers exploring leisurely.

"Alexander," she gasps, back arching. "Please..."

Hearing her beg so prettily, I can't hold back any longer. I capture her lips in a searing kiss as my hands finally undo the clasp of her bra. We become a tangle of roaming hands and seeking mouths, our passion rising steadily higher.

What we have right now between us… maybe it lasts, maybe it doesn't. God knows I'm not good at settling down. But this time, I'm genuinely trying and have more than enough incentives. It feels different. Right.

And yet…

I shake up my head and scatter the thoughts. Never mind all that. All my demons, my concerns and problems… they can rest for now.

Tonight, regardless of what the future holds, I'm making sure I show her just how much she means to me.

I take a long drag from my cigarette as I pace around the parking lot, phone pressed to my ear.

"So, we still on for tennis after I get off work?" Sebastian's voice crackled through the speaker.

"Yeah, I'm just doing a half day today. I'll swing by your place on my way to the airport."

"Look at you leaving early for once," Sebastian chuckled. "Special occasion?"

I flicked my cigarette, and a few ashes fell off. "Going down to Miami to see my parents for the weekend. It's been too long."

"Oh, shit. That explains why you're in a good mood today. I thought maybe you finally got laid—"

I coughed loudly. "Ack—! God damn it, man, what the hell?" I said, laughing despite my pain.

Sebastian just starts howling. "You bastard! I knew it!"

Shit. My face went red. "Okay, okay, that's enough. I don't want to hear you talking about my sex life."

We both continue our playful banter as I finish stubbing out the cigarette outside the Starbucks where I had stopped. Finishing my iced coffee, I return to the conversation.

"Anyway, enough about me. What's got you in such a chipper mood? I feel the giddiness over here and it stinks. Did your girl share any good news? The condom wasn't enough?"

This time, it's him choking on his own spit and I'm the one laughing out loud.

"Fuck you, ugh—I almost died there—you know I'm not planning on being a parent right now, so stop with that."

"Aha. So, what the fuck is it then that's got your panties in a twist?"

"Unlike you," he speaks with such smugness I feel like suddenly hitting him with a baseball bat. "I've been blessed with the Gacha Rizz. Yesterday, in between lab turns, I pulled Bronya in Honkai: Star Rail. Didn't have that much pity and I got her. Just. Like. That."

After a beat of silence, he continues, "Oh shit, right. How could I forget? I'm talking to Alexander, the man who doesn't know the difference between love and work. Mr. I'm too busy lame-ass guy. The can't have fun lame-ass sorry-ass guy. A quick recap for you—Bronya. Five-star support character. Ring any bells?"

Ignoring his jest, I wrack my brain trying to put a face to the name. "Uh, kinda sorta. Refresh my memory?"

"Badass princess with a rifle and bayonet? Super useful support that can buff your team and forward units immediately for an extra turn? Plays a big role in the early story…?"

"Oh right, right. White hair, thigh-high boots. Big on integrity and rules. Super stuck up at first." I said, memories coming back to me. The way the narrative began revolving around her during the first chapter of the game had called out to me back when I first played it with Sebastian.

"You gotta play the game again sometime. I think you'd really dig where the story has gone."

Should I? Should I not? I nod along absentmindedly, promising him to download it before my flight. We chat a bit more before I decide to cut things short and head to work, climbing onto my motorcycle. I'll be late otherwise.

I start the bike and feel the engine roar to life beneath me as I pull out onto the main road. Traffic is light this morning, the highway lanes moving pretty well. I lean forward, twist the throttle, and feel the bike shoot forward, weaving between cars. Just up ahead, an old sedan swerves into my lane without signaling. I slow down, watching the driver's eyes in the rearview mirror, fixated ahead, not seeing me coming. I brake hard and swerve to the right, barely missing a collision as the sedan continues to drift into my path.

"Jesus!" I shout, my heart thundering in my chest. I pull over at the next light. I throw my hands up and meet the driver's eyes. She looks back at me apologetically and mouths "sorry" through the window. "Unbelievable," I take a deep breath. If it had been a man, I might have gone over and knocked the side mirror off. But getting into a fistfight with an old lady wasn't going to help me.

Seconds pass as I wait for the light to change. A few cars have lined up behind me. I tap my fingers on the handlebars, debating whether or not just to run the light. It's been red for over a minute now. Finally, it changes to green. I rev the engine and take off across the intersection, the cross street still empty.

Out of nowhere, I hear the roar of an engine to my left.

I barely catch a glimpse of a black blur in my periphery. Then the sickening sound of metal on metal. My bike is torn out from under me by the force of the impact. I am weightless for a moment. Then, I feel the searing pain as I hit the pavement.

I can't breathe. Can't move. Sheer agony races through my body. I stare up at the sky, gasping and failing to inhale more air. Everything seems strangely muted. Far away, I can hear panicked shouts and car doors slamming.

Someone is leaning over me, hands pressing down on my chest. I can feel the broken ribs shift under the pressure. A wave of nausea rises in my throat. Their mouth is moving but I can't make out the words.

My vision starts going dark at the edges. I'm so cold. Shock is setting in. Each breath comes shorter than the last. I can feel myself fading.

I try to talk to the one above. Is this it? I'm not ready. You know I'm not ready.

But there is no answer to my silent plea, only the void rushing up to swallow me whole.

Oblivion takes me, and I think no more.

There's only blackness. I can't hear, feel, or see anything. I think I'm moving, but even that's a poor description of what I think is happening.

Where am I?

And then, it comes back. Sensation.

Hard surface. Buzzing. Cold air. They're all hard to make out, but they're there. After a minute, I hear it. Voices. Gradually, they become clearer.

A cold male voice speaks. Composed. Collected. Serious. "Weren't his coordinates transmitted from the space station...?"

A frustrated female voice responds. Bubbly. Annoying. Kind. "Who cares? He's here and alive. Does he look like a dummy to you?"

The male voice sighs. "Weak heartbeat and pulse... March, you should perform CPR."

"Huh!?" The female voice - March? - sounds anxious. "I—I've never done it before. Dan Heng, you do it!"

What?

I feel my strength return. I open my eyes, and the world is blurry. It's still clear enough for me to see someone's face right in front of mine, closing in like they're about to kiss me.

Oh.

Oh, fuck no.

I act on pure instinct. My body reacts before I can think. My left hand shoots out and I hear a man's face get smacked, sending him reeling.

A shocked breath escapes beside me, high-pitched and worried. "Dan! Sorry, sorry! We're so sorry!" The woman's voice rings out once more, regretful. "We thought you needed help. Please, we mean you no harm!"

I slowly turn my head to look at the girl - March? That's what the man called her. She's young, early twenties at most, with bright pink-colored hair and the most striking eyes, aquamarine with a hint of lilac—the hell? Her outfit reminds me of a sailor school uniform, but chic. Her dangerously low skirt allows for a clear view of her pale and slender legs and boots. An Instax camera is strapped to her waist.

I don't recognize her in the slightest at first. But now that I think about it…

I glance over at the man - Dan Heng, presumably - rubbing his cheek where I struck him. Tall and slender, refined, with jet-black hair. Emerald eyes. Long white overcoat with green linings and accent color—and is that a shoulder pauldron? He looks close in age to March, for sure, and yet I can't help but feel like he's older. Also a complete stranger to me. And yet, for the life of me, I can't help but stare. Didn't he remind me of someone?

Putting the thought aside, I look around what appears to be a cold metal hallway, and my mind starts to whirl with questions. This wasn't a hospital, at least not any hospital I'd ever seen. The walls were too sterile and the computer panels too advanced. I wasn't even resting on a bed or chair, but right on the cold floor against a wall.

Pain shoots through my skull, and I groan. It felt like someone was driving a hot spike through my head. Memories flash behind my eyes - the sound of tires screeching, the crunch of metal and bone.

I'd been in an accident, right? But then why…?

I look again, squinting through the lessening pain, the girl, March, looking back at me with her hands up, like she was about to help me.

"What… what happened to me?" I croak. "What hospital is this?"

The girl - March - shakes her head, her pink hair swishing. "Um, this isn't a hospital. We're on the Herta Space Station. I'm March 7th, and this is Dan Heng." She indicates the thin man, who still studies me, rubbing at his bruised cheek.

I just stare at them, silent. Space station…?

God, I was being pranked. I looked around for the cameras. Instead, I just saw more alien walls and screens. Christ, they must have some budget. I really needed to look into the health tech industry. How I hadn't heard of this place was beyond me.

"Very funny," I say bitterly. "Now, could you kindly tell me where am I, miss? I remember being in a lot of pain from the crash, but it was for just a short moment. Doesn't feel like anything hurts…" I flex my muscles, not noticing anything out of place or any sign of pain.

Wait, never mind that.

The team. Sebastian. Summer. My parents! "How long have I been out for? I need to call some friends and family members."

March's brow furrows in concern and looks around her. "Uh, um… Sheesh, this is a first. I think you hit your head really hard. Dan Heng, any help?" She smiles awkwardly at the end, looking at her fellow companion.

The man rises from the floor, having finished tending to the bruise I gave him—I'll have to apologize for that—and regards me with a hint of concern in his eyes.

"Could you have been attacked and suffered a concussion, perhaps…? Please, try not to move too much just in case. As my friend here said, this isn't a hospital. You're aboard the Herta Space Station. We thought you were a researcher left unconscious in the wake of the attack. We received an SOS distress signal and came as soon as we could."

I'm so focused on trying to make sense of his final words, I barely register the repeated mention of being on a space station. "Attack? SOS signal?"

Dan Heng's eyebrows raise in surprise. "You must have seriously been out of it. The station is being attacked as we speak by members of the Anti-Matter Legion. March here and I are Nameless who ride aboard the Astral Express—we were called in as reinforcements to help fend off the threat."

"Maybe you've heard of us?" March chimes in at my side. "Kickass heroes traveling across the stars, helping innocents in need? Ring any bells?"

I scoff, but March continues earnestly. "It's true! We were making our way deeper into the station and aiding any researchers we found on our way."

I hesitate. March seems so sincere, and Dan, well, I'll give it to him. He could probably pass a lie detector test. I want to believe them for a second, but then I come to my senses. This is ridiculous—anti-matter, space, some sort of "attack"…

"Kuh—!" I cry out as the pain in my head returns, stronger than before, sending waves of agony through my skull. Flashes of light explode behind my eyelids - images, sounds, and memories all flood into me at once. I see Sebastian's face, hear him telling me about a game he couldn't stop playing, playing it with him, actually taking some interest, then having to stop because of other things.

"Hey, are you okay?" I hear March say beside me, but it's like her voice is muffled all of a sudden.

What was the name of the game again? It's on the tip of my tongue. I just have to remember. I'm unsure why, but my gut's screaming it's important. "Honkai something…!"

"Huh? Honkai?" she says again, but it's like she's speaking through a radio, the frequency not quite right.

"You said… you rode aboard an express…?"

A man's voice, Dan Heng's. "Yes, the Astral Express. Created by the Aeon Akivili the Trailblaze."

Trains. Tracks. Honkai Star Rail. That's it.

I leap to my feet, startling March. "What is it?" she asks.

I study her. Her aquamarine with lilac eyes. Her pink hair. I start to pant. "This can't be happening," I wheeze. "It was just a game. A stupid game we played to pass the time." I look around, at the walls, the monitors, how they're different. "You can't be real. None of this can be!"

Dan narrows his eyes, and March takes a step toward me, reaching out a hand. "Please, calm down. We understand you're scared but—"

I bat her hand away and stand. "Don't touch me," I growl. I'm sweating, and it's cold. Why is it cold? And my heart is still racing. This has to be some kind of intense coma dream. It just has to be.

But it doesn't feel like it. The floor feels just as tangible and solid as ever. The texture of the air. The jumbled mess of sensations cursing through my body.

I suddenly can't catch my breath. Fuck, Xander. Breathe!

Dan takes a step forward, hand extended. "You're in shock. Just breathe, slowly, in and out—"

I don't even let him finish before I spin around and take off. I run as fast as I can, down the corridor, into the darkness. I hear Dan swear, and then footsteps following me.

The hallway stretches on endlessly before me, illuminated at each side by tiny but eerie blue panels and lights like road studs. My heart thunders as I race past endless metal doors, lungs burning, up and down mechanical stairs. I don't know where I'm going—I just know I have to get away.

It'll wake me up. It will!

I burst through double doors and skid into a huge chamber. The first thing I notice is the ceiling—it must be four stories high. Then I see the lights, bright and focused, beaming down in cones, illuminating circles on the floor. Darkness fills the spaces between.

A deep, twisted roar echoes from up ahead, freezing me in place. I slow down, stopping just short of the light, and squint into the shadows.

Thuds echo in the distance. Heavy, metallic. Someone's coming. I can tell a lot from the sound of their tread. Most of all, they're big. And wearing something made of metal.

Two massive figures lurch from the shadows, catching the light. Armor, black and jagged, covers them from head to toe. Curved blades marked with stars encase their arms. They're huge, over six feet tall. At first, they could pass for knights, but something's not right. It's the way they move, like predators stalking their next kill.

Dan Heng screams a warning behind me. "Reavers! Watch out!" The monsters lumber closer, definitely not human. I should run, but I'm frozen, eyes locked on their weapons. In slow motion, I see one raise its curved, star-etched blade high, ready to strike.

"Get away!"

The blade slashes down.

Author's notes:

Well, that was quite the ride, wasn't it? Poor Alexander, thrown into the world of Honkai: Star Rail without a clue how he got there. Talk about a rude awakening.

It was interesting, writing Dan and March. I hope I managed to capture their personalities right. It'll be a good challenge, having to write so many characters with their own sets of personalities and voices.

Anyway, what's your verdict? Love it? Hate it? Let me know in the comments. And while you're at it, put on your detective hat and take a guess - where do you think Alexander is from? I sprinkled some clues throughout the chapter about his life before landing in Honkai: Star Rail. Can't wait to see what theories you come up with.

Chapter notes and references:

• Seraphim Automata — The company's name hints at what's to come. Seraphs are the highest-ranking angels in Christian theology. Inspired by Chip Zdarsky's Daredevil comics, this story will explore some aspects of faith but in a way that's respectful to people with different beliefs.

• My mother laughs. "Xander, she's great. Please don't mess this one up." — Our dear protagonist seems to have a past with women... and her mother makes sure to keep reminding him of it. Hilarious.

Edited 3/20/2024